About

Spectre: Post Production for an Epic Short Film

$18,664

pledged of $18,000 goal

166

backers

Hello and thank you for taking the time to consider supporting my movie project.

Let me introduce you to Spectre:

Spectre is a short fantasy film I hope to complete with your help. About seven years ago, I began developing an original screenplay based on an imaginary world. I did this in my spare time, and took a couple years to get it right.

In 2007-08, I successfully led a team of talented artists and craftsman to produce the foundations of an excellent movie. We collected many hours of high-definition footage, showcasing custom-made costumes and props, great acting, and beautiful locations.

Unfortunately, after we finished shooting, I lacked the funds to complete the visual effects and other post-production elements. This is where you---the awesome lovers of epic fantasy and indy cinema--come in.

The story is about a fallen paladin who wakes up wounded on a battlefield. There he finds Spectre, a notorious sword with the ability to speak who's responsible for much of the destruction in the land.

Having lost everything, the paladin vows to take the sword to a temple where it can be destroyed. But as he makes the long and grueling journey over land, he finds the sword is nothing like the world believes it to be.

Spectre needs a lot of work to be completed. We have some great footage, but a lot of empty shots that need to be filled with visual effects.

If our Kickstarter campaign is successful, I will hire a team of professionals to provide us with a variety of post-production services. There are well over 100 shots requiring visual effects work. I'd also like to hire an editor to help me cut the movie in an exciting and compelling way.

I'll also need to hire at least one actor to portray the Girl in Blue, an important character that we originally intended to film on green screen, but never had a chance to do.

Here's the main To-Do List:

In addition, actors may need to be hired or brought back from the original production to complete pick-up shots, or to record voice work ("ADR"). A successful campaign will mean I'll be able to pay them appropriately for their time.

With full funding, I'll also be able to hire a sound designer and musician to craft a captivating soundtrack.

Other Expenses

Besides covering the cost of visual effects and audio, I plan to save some money for submitting the completed movie to various film festivals. I'll also create some promotional items (different from the incentives shown here!) and give them away as free prizes once everything is complete.

The movie was written, produced, and directed by me, Jason Denzel. I'm an award-winning director, and aspiring novelist. My most recent production was the Towers of Midnight book trailer, which showcased the #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy novel of the same name. It received three Telly Awards for Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound Design.

In addition to being a filmmaker, I'm also the webmaster of Dragonmount.com, a large Wheel of Time community. Learn more about me and my various projects on my personal website, JasonDenzel.com

The Spectre movie was shot by Cinematographer Chris Barcellos, with Art Direction by Vicky Hsu, and features David Lawlor as the paladin. Over 30 people contributed on set to the creation of this movie.

Check back for updates showcasing the talented cast & crew!

In return for your generous donation, we've got some swag for you. Take a look at our incentives. We have wallpapers and shout-outs on Twitter. We've also got a custom-made map of the lands depicted in the movie. You can get it as either digital or as a printed cloth. (Inspired by the old Ultima games! How awesome is THAT?) And, of course, we have actual Spectre swords available!

Here's a full look at the incentives:

Wallpapers

All donors to this production will receive access to several high-resolution wallpapers, including our movie poster. It's the least we can do for your generous support.

Crew Badges

In 2008, every member of the Spectre crew received a numbered badge to wear on set. It showcased artwork by the renowned Wheel of Time artist Seamas Gallagher.

Beginning at the $25 donation tier, all contributors will receive a signed and numbered crew badge. You'll be a part of our team! Like for... forever.

The Map

Maps have long been a part of the fantasy genre. From the early maps seen in The Hobbit, to the cloth maps included in old computer games, they've long been a part of the fantasy tradition.

For Spectre, I wanted to continue that tradition in some way. So I hired a professional cartographer to design this:

With a $15 donation, you'll get access to a high-resolution wallpaper suitable for printing or gracing your computer desktop.

An on-set photographer collected thousands of photos during our 9-day shoot. Beginning at the $40 donation level, you'll get access to view select photos, along with commentary, written interviews, and more. Whether you're a filmmaker, or just have an interest in how our independent short was produced, you'll find this book both insightful and entertaining.

At the $300 tier, we'll print it as a high-quality coffee table book and ship it to you.

Movie Poster

We've crafted a beautiful poster, shown above, to help promote our movie and Kickstarter project. With a $100 contribution, you'll receive a full-sized print of that poster (24x36 inches). And for a generous $450 donation, we'll frame it and ship it to your door. These look amazing in an office or

home theater!

The Spectre Sword

One of the most exciting incentives we have to offer is an actual, hand-crafted Spectre Sword. Back in 2008, a professional blacksmith forged 3 duplicate sword props for use in the movie. In addition, he crafted about 20 more in anticipation of later making them available to the public.

If you are a major contributor ($700 or more) to this project, then you'll get to OWN your VERY OWN SPECTRE SWORD. Unique to this large sword's design is the fact that it's made of actual BLACK STEEL.

It's incredible It's full of power. With it, you could totallyconquer your own fantasy world.

Note: The Spectre Sword is a collectable replica. It does not have a sharp edge, and it is not a dangerous, battle-ready weapon. (But it's still awesome!)

In the coming weeks we'll take a closer look at some of these incentives, including the sword itself!

Producer credits, and Party!

Producer credits (with IMDB listing) are available! And if you want to partner with us and become an Executive Producer, you'll get your name or company logo at the front of the credits, on the website, and on the movie poster, along with pretty much everywhere else.

All donors at the $2,000 tier and above will receive an invitation to our premiere party in northern California when the movie is done. Party like a warlord.

Be sure to check back regularly for updates: more photos, more videos, and more behind-the-scenes goodness.

If you have any questions, please ASSSSSK!

Risks and challenges

The good news about this movie project is that we've already shot it. Our challenge now is to ensure that we add the necessary elements (visual effects, digital character, etc) to make the story complete. If we cannot get those elements in place, then the story simply won't make any sense or be enjoyable.

I also want to be upfront about the time needed to complete this project. Because I need to feed my family and keep the electricity on, this movie will remain a side project for me. I intend to begin heavy work on it in the Spring and Summer, and hope to be complete in late 2013. If it will take longer than that, I will inform all of the backers well in advance.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge $5 or more
About $5

For taking the time to donate to the project, you'll receive a "Special Thanks" in the movie credits and website. You'll also receive an email thanking you for your contribution, and you'll get EARLY ACCESS to view the movie before it's released to the public.
You'll ALSO receive exclusive WALLPAPERS sized for your PC, Mac, tablet, or mobile device. And, of course, you'll have endless blessings bestowed upon you from the universe.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $40 or more
About $40

All the above, including the CREW BADGE plus...
Access to "The Making of Spectre," the Behind-the-scenes" book (PDF format) filled with photos and commentary. See what it took to produce an independent fantasy movie project!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO CONTRIBUTE TO EPIC FANTASY CINEMA IN A MAJOR WAY! As one of our major backers, you'll receive ALL of the $700 tier incentives INCLUDING THE SPECTRE SWORD! Plus...
You'll receive CO-PRODUCER credit with IMDB entry, and an Invitation to the exclusive Spectre release screening & dinner. Dinner's on us, and we'll cover your travel expenses up to $500.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

THE ULTIMATE PACKAGE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SUPPORT HIGH-END INDEPENDENT FANTASY CINEMA!!
For contributing in such a huge way, you'll receive ALL of the $700 tier incentives, INCLUDING THE SPECTRE SWORD plus... you'll be credited as an EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (with your name and/or logo) featured at the front of the movie, along with an IMDB entry. Plus.... You'll be INVITED to the exclusive Spectre release screening & dinner and given VIP treatment. Plus.... Your dinner will be complimentary, and we'll cover your travel expenses up to $1,000. We woud be HONORED to have you as a major contributor to this fantasy movie project.